Another violation but no consequences for employer in D-J lock-out

For the second time, the Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Board has found D-J Composites in violation of the provincial Labour Relations Act.

However the board did not agree to take any action that would help resolve the lock-out that began 420 days ago for 30 aerospace workers of local 597 in Gander.

“This highlights the complete and total inadequacy of the province’s outdated labour laws which employers use to deny workers their rights. Make no mistake, the government has taken a side in this dispute. It is siding with the American employer,” said Lana Payne, Atlantic Regional Director.

These workers were locked-out by their Kansas State-based employer just before Christmas in December 2016.

Last week the labour board found the employer in violation of section 75 of the Act, but has not yet released its written reasons for this decision.

The only remedy the board applied was to issue a written order to D-J Composites to cease contacting members in a manner that violates the Labour Relations Act, as they did in June when they sent individual offers to return to work, to locked-out members.

Unifor believes the Labour Board needs additional powers in order to deal with employers who blatantly violate laws with no repercussions.

The union has taken its concerns to the Newfoundland and Labrador government, including the premier, to demand legislative changes.